CHIEF MOOSE CUTS LOOSEÐLEAVING POLICE SHOOT AT 4; SOME OF DOW’S LEGACY OF MIXED MESSAGES KILLERS GET COMMENDATIONS ortland Police Chief Charles Moose announced in late May that here have been a number of incidents involving deadly Phe would leave the Rose City to Tforce and the Portland Police Bureau since we published become police chief of our April issue. In two of the most recent cases, officers Montgomery County, were wounded during their interactions with Maryland. Moose’s last members of the public. day here was July 28. ¥ On July 15, David Cassel, 38, allegedly shot While there are reasons himself during a standoff with Portland Portlanders should Police. Cassel, according to the July 18 celebrate Moose’s Oregonian, was a paramedic who had departure, there are responded to the July, 1984 shooting spree as many reasons in a McDonald’s restaurant in to be cautious. California. Responding to a call that In his six year Cassel was suicidal, Officer Sze Lai tenure, Moose has came to his door and was met with overseen or been gunfire; Lai was shot twice in the arm directly involved in a number of and was recovering well at last report. disturbing incidents. Among these are: the Two of the three officers responding “beanbag” incident in which African-American citizens briefly with Lai have interesting family ties: brought their protest to the Chief’s house and then became one was Kathleen Pluchos, wife of the targets of “non-lethal” shotgun blasts (August ’98); the deaths of Portland Police Association’s over 20 individuals as a result of police actions, including the president, and another was Mark developmentally disabled Dickie Dow (October ’98); the Chief’s Fortner, the widower of Collen Waibel, who was killed in a temper flashes at media coverage of the Stephen Dons shootout with Stephen Dons in January 1998. (The paranoid incident, despite the fact that the media among us wonder how Fortner reacted to seeing a fellow officer came on the scene after three police shot, and how fully the Medical Examiner investigated whose officers had been shot (January ’98); bullets killed Cassel. We do know that Fortner and the fourth and, perhaps most significantly, officer, Homera Reynaga, fired back into Cassel’s apartment.) the two cases which came to In moves guaranteed to make a suicidal person feel less him from the Police Internal threatened, the police fired teargas into the apartment and Investigations Auditing Com- arranged to have the power cut off (Oregonian , July 16). mittee (PIIAC) in which he ¥ On June 4, Officer Keith Jones was shot in the neck by rejected their findings of police Chief Moose ponders the future 33-year-old Raul Mora from a St. Johns apartment during a misconduct (both in 1997). (continued on p. 8) at City Club (see p.8) domestic violence call. Officer Mark Stevens returned fire, and Mora was wounded in the hand and chest. Jones ANTI-CORPORATE RALLY BECOMES MELEE was hit in muscle tissue only, making him “a very WITH HELP FROM EUGENE POLICE lucky guy” according to Claudia Brown, a hospital n June 18th, activists around the world spokesperson. Mora surrendered “without incident” protested a meeting of the “G-8” (the (Oregonian, June 5). O eight wealthiest industrialized ¥ The Oregonian waited three days to report that six nations) and global corporate dominance. officers were involved in a shooting on Saturday, In Eugene, organizers planned a “Reclaim June 19. Jeffrey Samuel Chilson, age 34, allegedly the Streets” event including speakers, fired at police after they tried to take him into custody microradio broadcasts, and other activities. for fighting with a former lover. He was wounded in What started out as a joyous, the torso and upper leg. Cops were called to the scene rebellious event was INSIDE: because Chilson was said to have fired off three rounds snowballed by the police and ¥ Oregon looks at “driving while black”...... 2 (the article says officers in the area heard the shots). He was hit “multiple times.” The officers named are: media into an event devoid ¥ PIIAC’s Staff Person Leaves...... 3 of its intended issues. Det. Sgt Chris Uehara; Officers Christopher Guzman, ¥ Pepper Spray in the News...... 6 Although the (continued on p. 9) Colbey Panter, Shawn Gore, (continued on p. 7) PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 AUGUST 1999 OREGON JOINS OTHER STATES IN LOOKING AT “DRIVING WHILE BLACK” hether there is racially influenced enforcement of traffic laws is a hotly debated topic, Wespecially following lawsuits in New Jersey and Maryland. Although police deny that they engage in racial profiling, the perception among minorities is that police are decidedly racist. In a recent survey in Multinomah County, African Americans gave police a rating of 7.2 (10 being routinely unfair), compared to 4.7 among whites (Oregonian, March 2). Some crucial information is lacking. Currently, statistics on traffic stops are only kept if a citation is issued, which happens over a million times a year. Legislation in the U.S. Congress seeks to record the race, age and gender of all individuals pulled over by police, regardless of whether a citation is given. The data could then be used to identify departments engaging in racial profiling, intentionally or not. This bill is opposed by police lobbying groups, such as the National Association of Police Officers (NAPO). NAPO’s President Robert Scully sees probable cause as an existing “essential safegaurd against racial profiling” (Rap Sheet, June 1999). After all if “it turns out that the individual has done nothing wrong, then that person is free to go.” This argument sidesteps the issue of the vagueness of “probable cause,” and ignores the fact that repeated traffic stops, even if one is free to go, constitute harassment. A 1997 Oregon law (HB 2433) increased police authority to stop and search motorists and mandated that police While black community papers like the Skanner call for action, police departments adopt policies against targeting civilians based “unions” like Portland’s question whether racial profiling exists. on race. This law is being monitored to determine if Oregonians are subjected to race-based profiling. A group of 60 law enforcement officials and civil liberties advocates have admitted that relations In April, Oregon’s legislature formally admitted and apologized for the state’s between minority populations and police are strained, and have history of racism and discrimination, recommended that the legislature approve over $175,000 to study the both on individual and legislative levels. In 1849, it was made illegal for African- problem and monitor complaints. Chief Moose, who is on the Americans to live in the Oregon Territory, committee, emphasized that police deserve credit for admitting the a fact memorialized by a resolution problem, and being willing to discuss it (“Police Must Document passed in Salem. The first civil rights legislation in Oregon was passed in Traffic Stops,” editorial, The Portland Skanner, March 17). 1949, banning employment In light of Oregon’s racist history and local and national efforts, discrimination. (Oregonian, April 21). it is refreshing to know that the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon will be participating in the national program set up by the ACLU to document traffic stops of people of color–“driving while black.” Now, if only we can get them to study police harassment for “walking while black,” “hanging out with friends while black” or “living while black.” For more information, call Juan at the ACLU of Oregon at 503-227-3186.

SALEM GETS ORGANIZED n March, Salem residents staged a march from Willamette University to City Hall I to complain about police misconduct. “Latinos, African-Americans and teenagers of all races charged that they’re targeted unfairly by Salem police officers, especially for traffic stops” (Oregonian, March 16). Members of the Hispanic Leadership Group, Latinos Unidos Siempre, the Human Rights Commission, and the NAACP attended the forum, as did the Police Chief, and moderator JoAnn Bowman of Portland. While the Oregonian’s report on the meeting clearly shows Chief Myers being defensive, it also states that the complaints were filed “politely” and predicts some changes in the way Salem police do business. One outgrowth of this march was the formation of “100 Good People,” a multiracial grassroots group which seeks to institute a police review board in Salem. Their mayor has promised that if they can get 1000 signatures asking for a review board and support from the neighborhood associations, he will put the issue before the City Council. Copwatch was invited to speak to 100 Good People in late July. The Salem folks reported they had over 900 signatures. We were able to share some of the work we have been doing since 1992 on this issue, in what seems to be a productive act of networking. For more information or to get involved contact 100 Good People c/o SUPPORT (Support Unified Peaceful Principles and Racial Tolerance) at 503-375-7732 or write PO Box 18599, Salem, OR 97305. page 2 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 PIIAC: PORTLAND’S POLICE REVIEW BOARD LOSES ITS FIRST FULL TIME STAFF PERSON; WORK STALLS AGAIN isa Botsko, the first full-time staff person for the Police Internal Investigations Auditing Committee (PIIAC), hired in July 1994 after the Mayor created the new position, left her job on June 5th. Botsko definitely brought about a lot of changes at PIIAC and helpedL the Citizen Advisors stay on track as they heard appeals, reviewed Internal Affairs files, and created quarterly monitoring reports. The city initiated a “limited national search” in June, and Copwatch was allowed to ask questions of the four candidates who came in for interviews at the end of July. While the process is confidential, we can assure you that if we feel that we are in any way being co-opted or used by the city to silence accountability activists’ concerns we will walk out immediately and publicly. The new staff person could be in place by the time you read this. Another big change is the retirement of Capt. Bill Bennington of Internal Affairs. His replacement, Brett Smith, came to his first PIIAC meeting in a sport coat, which he removed to reveal his sidearm while he testified. In a setting where civilians and police are meant to have equal footing, the overt presence of Capt. Smith’s gun was a bit unnerving. Because both the June and July PIIAC meetings were cancelled, the last public presentation by Botsko for the board was a round of four cases being appealed to City Council on June 2. In one of the cases, #99-12, a woman arrested for domestic violence on the testimony of her mother and step-sister was patted down for weapons—by the step- sister. Apparently, Internal Affairs, PIIAC, and City Council found nothing unusual about sworn police asking the person accusing the suspect of a crime to conduct a pat-down search. Capt. Brett Smith made a special debut at PIIAC by showing off his service pistol. Fortunately, the Another one of the appeals, which was quickly dismissed by City Council on the basis of complainant (L) and sometimes outspoken PIIAC member a letter from the City Attorney’s office, was Portland Police Association (PPA) Secretary- Dapo Sobomehin(C) couldn’t see it from where they sat. Treasurer Tom Mack’s complaint that a male officer was not hired to do duty at the Rose Festival because of his gender (see PPR #16). Mack wasn’t present for his appeal, but he wrote about his experiences in the May Rap Sheet (the PPA’s newsletter). Apparently, the City Attorney felt that the IAD should not investigate the TWO COPWATCH MEMBERS EXPERIENCE POLICE-CIVILIAN MEDIATION “complaint of discrimination.” Mack was outraged that by David Lowe and Dan Handelman IAD did not do a subsequent investigation when PIIAC sent his case back to them. Let’s say up front that there are definitely reasons to be suspicious of the police- Mack’s confusing appeal was made more muddled civilian mediation program, which is part of the City’s official apparatus for resolving by his claim to PIIAC that he was filing as a fellow complaints against Portland’s finest. It would be possible, in theory, for an officer to officer, not as Secretary-Treasurer of the PPA. But in use mediation to avoid a more serious mark on his or her record, and then, if mediation the Rap Sheet, he proclaims the complaint was made was not “successful,” that is, if both parties did not feel the situation was resolved, it could bring the investigation to a screeching halt. by him as a “union” rep. If so, why was it not filed as However, if the officers are willing to participate in the first place, it’s probable a grievance rather than an IAD complaint? (If not, why that they will do what is asked of them by the mediators at the Neighborhood did heÐto be politeÐgive misinformation to PIIAC?) Mediation Center, which is to listen, repeat back what they hear, and to tell the Meanwhile, there has been no quarterly monitoring story from their own point of view. report from PIIAC since the 2nd/3rd quarter ’98 report Each of us filed complaints against PPB officers, David in late 1998 and Dan in came out early this year. That means trends, patterns, early 1999. In David’s case, an officer had told Critical Mass riders they needed to go and individual cases of outrageous conduct may have get lights for the back of their bicycles (when a red reflector is all that is legally escaped the public eye for ten months running. required); in Dan’s, a mounted police officer used his horse to force Dan against a In an interesting development in the world of wall during an Iraq demonstration on the Burnside Bridge. civilian review, the Santa Cruz, CA police review We are both satisfied with the outcomes of the mediation process, and both board has voted to send the case of a protestor who came out with the following impressions: was beaten and pepper sprayed in the mouth to an 1. The officers come to the mediation sessions on duty, so they are in uniform independent investigator (also see pepper spray article, p. 6). and are carrying guns. While that review board, like the one in Tucson and 2. If you can get past point #1, you recognize that this setting, unlike the street, other cities, has the power to call for this kind of puts you on equal footing with the police officer, who is just there as an individual. investigation, this is the first time Santa Cruz has used 3. While the mediators struggled to get us to apologize for our parts in the that power. PIIAC does not have the ability to call for disputed situations (exercising our rights to free speech and freedom of assembly), such review. the police officers in both cases seemed much clearer that we had no intention of For more info on Portland’s review system, call the apologizing or necessarily changing our behavior. Mayor’s office at 503-823-4120 or PIIAC at 503-823-4126 The officers recognized that they represent the state apparatus we each were protesting and therefore did not expect us to necessarily change the way we interacted Portland, Oregon City Council: with them. The political astuteness of the cops came as a welcome surprise. 1220 SW 5th Ave Portland, OR 97204 It’s important to repeat that it really depends on the situation involved (the Mayor Vera Katz City won’t even allow mediation for disparate treatmentÐracism, etc.Ðor use of Rm 340 Ph 823-4120, fax 823-3588 force cases) and the particular officer, but we still support the mediation program. ([email protected]) It’s more likely that a cop will think twice before acting the same way again if Commissioner Jim Francesconi Commissioner Dan Saltzman they have to look a civilian in the eye and explain themselves than if their Rm 220 Ph 823-3008 Rm 230 Ph 823-4151 supervisor pats them on the back and says “don’t do that again, ok?” fax 823-3017 fax 823-3036 In a footnote to political activists, and a word to the person-at-large, remember ([email protected]) ([email protected]) that although the mediation sessions are confidential, you are still talking to a Commissioner Charlie Hales Commissioner Erik Sten cop, and while you need to be truthful, open and honest, there’s no reason to, Rm 210 Ph 823-4682 Rm 240 Ph 823-3589 say, give your entire mailing list to the cops while you’re mediating. fax 823-4040 fax 823-3696 Good luck, and give us a call at Copwatch (503-236-3065) if you are about ([email protected]) ([email protected]) to or have just been through mediation.

PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 page 3 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT UPDATES August 99 Gambling West Linn Chief Pleads Guilty “Grow Light” Store Busted After Filing Suit In a surprisingly emotional op-ed piece in the May 27 Oregonian, Last spring, American Agriculture, an former West Linn Police Chief Larry Gabel outlined the gambling indoor gardening supply store, filed a federal addiction which led to his ouster from office (see PPR #17). Gabel lawsuit against the Portland Police for plead guilty on May 21 to charges of official misconduct and theft violations of civil rights. Police have been of city equipment. The op-ed was Gabel’s statement upon being using a “trap and trace” on American sentenced to 60 days in jail and $8360 in restitution. Agriculture’s phone for four years, giving “I stole to satisfy my addiction,” wrote Gabel. “I bought a gun phone numbers of incoming callers to the with city funds one day and would pawn it another. I knew full police without the store’s knowledge or well a paper trail was very evident, but all that mattered was permission (see PPR #17). Police identified dollars in my hand and the very friendly machine that I had a suspected marijuana growers, and then monitored power usage to full-time relationship with.” determine likely candidates for “knock and talk” style searches, Considering suicide at first, Gabel called the gambling addiction in which police bluff their way into private homes. Other strategies hotline and received mental health counseling. His most important in use are the “sniff and sieze,” the “talk and grab,” and the “spray messages: “If you have significant issues and problems, don’t hide. and cuff.” Deal with them. ... I have to face the consequences for my actions.” In June, police raided the store and the home of the manager. Gold Hill Chief Convicted Officers siezed computers and documents, but no arrests were made. Capt. Ferraris, head of the Drugs and Vice Division, said Police Chief David M. Crawford of Gold Hill Crawford that there is no connection between the timing of the lawsuit and resigned on June 7 after being convicted of attempted was put on paid the raid (Oregonian, June 5). The investigation continues, despite coercion and for assault and harassment of a dirt leave in Circuit Judge Michael Marcus’ questioning why, after investigating biker. As Gold Hill’s only police officer, Crawford March. around 500 suspected growers, police are still collecting evidence. was being temporarily replaced with Jackson County Gold Hill According to the Oregonian, “Marcus compared the four-year has 1240 Sheriff’s Deputies (Associated Press, June 9) . investigation to planting petunias in a hole so deep that you need residents. Apparently, the threats to George and Patricia a ladder to climb out.” Warner came after a short spurt of “road rage” where Lawyers for American Agriculture believe police are illegally the menacing car turned out to be Crawford’s; upon leaping from gathering evidence and that the suspicious timing of the court cases his car he allegedly said “I can find you. I can get you...I can and the search warrants is an attempt at intimidation. burn down your home.” (AP June 3). (Other information from the This case is particularly significant because it is probably the Oregonian, April 25; see PPR #16 for background on Gold Hill.) Marijuana Task Force’s surveillance of American Agriculture Bend Family Sues which led them to the raid on Stephen Dons’ house in January 1998,an event that ended with one dead officer and a wounded The family of Adam Gantenbein, a 21-year-old shot by Dons who later died in police custody (see PPR #14). Bend police in February (see PPR #17), filed a lawsuit for negligence against Officer Al Campbell and the City of Bend. NYPD Officers Indicted in Gantenbein was killed by 7 of the 15 bullets fired at him. Gantenbein’s father Calvin, a former Portland Police Officer Diallo Shooting and currently a criminal defense attorney, maintains that A grand jury has indicted the four Campbell should not have fired his weapon through Adam’s officers who shot Guinean immigrant windshield, based on eyewitness testimony and crime scene Amadou Diallo 41 times, killing him in his evidence (Oregonian, June 2). Bronx apartment building (see PPR #17). The officers are part of the Street Crimes Shooter Ex-Cop Strikes Again Unit whose all-white members wear plain Former Portland Police officer Steven Gomez will face a clothes and travel in unmarked cars. The grand jury on second- and third-degree assault charges. case drew increasingly boisterous protests, Gomez was forced to resign from the force after “playfully” New york’s police union urged with over 1000 people getting themselves people to ignore the protests and arrested, including Jesse Jackson and shooting his wife in the buttocks (resulting in the amputation not rush to judgment in the Diallo shooting in this full page ad in actress Susan Sarandon. Mayor Rudolph of her leg) in Febuary 1997 (see PPR #12). He attacked his the March 29 New York Times former wife again on July 4. After reportedly arguing with Giuliani eased his confrontative support her about her successful $5 million lawsuit against him, of the officers as the protests have grown, and most of the protesters Gomez slapped and choked her unconscious. He then called had their charges dropped. (New York Times, March 27 and 911 and surrendered himself to the local authorities, going so Associated Press, April 3). far as to remove his wristwatch to make cuffing him easier NYPD Officer Admits Sodomizing Louima (Oregonian, April 16). Officer Justin Volpe has admitted to shoving a stick into Abner Louima’s rectum while the handcuffed Haitian immigrant was held Police Volunteer Indicted by another officer in a precinct bathroom. Volpe said he was mad and Louie Lira Jr., a volunteer “gang outreach worker” with the intended to humiliate Louima because he mistakenly thought Louima Portland Police, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April had struck him during a struggle at a nightclub. After other officers for armed bank robbery and use of a firearm in the commission testified to seeing Volpe go into the bathroom with a stick and brag of a felony. As reported in PPR #17, Lira had earlier been later about his acts, Volpe pled guilty to avoid a life sentence. Mayor sentenced to federal prison for violating immigration laws. The Giuliani used this testimony to prove his claim that the “blue wall of robbery indictment stems from his alleged use of Police silence” is a media myth. Only one of the other officers charged in equipment to assist in a November, 1998 bank heist (Oregonian, the incident, Charles Schwarz, was found guiltyÐof civil rights April 16). violations (New York Times, May 26 and stop-polabuse listserv June 8). page 4 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 MORE PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT UPDATES Aug ‘99 Millions Organize, March For Mumia On April 24th, 15,000 people congregated in San Francisco to take part in the Millions for Mumia ’UNION’ PREZ BERATES EVERGREEN FOR MUMIA GRADUATION TALK march. There was a simultaneous demonstration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were there to ask that Portland Police Association President Mumia Abu-Jamal, who was convicted of killing a police officer and is on death row, be given a new fair Greg Pluchos devoted his entire column trial. MumiaÐdespite being on death rowÐhas spoken out against injustices such as police brutality, the in July’s Rap Sheet to complain about a pre-recorded commencement talk by prison-industrial complex, and the criminalization of the poor. Mumia knows from experience just how death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal unfair the “justice system” can be because when he was first brought to trial he was played at graduation for Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. too poor to afford adequate legal defense and the necessary invesitgators. He has been Pluchos wrote an angry letter to the fighting for 17 years to receive a new trial. During this time much evidence has come college saying that letting a “murderer” speak “is a slap in the face of every law forth which could prove his innocence. Unfortunately, the prosecutorial misconduct enforcement officer in the country.” that his first trial reeked of is all that will be reviewed in the appeals process if he does Pluchos also complains that when Philadelphia Officer Daniel Faulkner shot not receive a new, fair trial. Mumia, “the officer’s ammo was poor This situation compelled demonstrators to take to the streets, chanting slogans and didn’t stop him.” like “we’re going to tear down the prisons wall for wall!” and “Free Mumia.” Dr. Jane Jervis, president of the college, ACTION ALERT! wrote back an excellent reply, noting that As we go to press, the Throughout the march, the police were decidedly quietÐdespite how forcefully while prisoners have many rights Governor of Pennsyl- the police associations have come out against Mumia. stripped from them, the right to speak is vania is considering not one of them. Furthermore, she noted, signing Mumia’s death After the march there were speeches by such notable speakers as Angela Davis, and allowing Mumia to be heard did not imply warrant before the a tape from Mumia thanking everyone for coming out. By the end of the event, it was condoning acts he may have committed. Supreme Cout can hear clear that people had to go back to their towns and do solid organizing work. And, best of all, Jervis noted that the his case. For emergency passion Pluchos brings to the issue may demonstration info That was what the Portland Free Mumia Coalition had in mind when they be shared by others, and that by bringing up the issue in a public place, police are call 503-287-4217. cosponsored the “Open to the Truth” conference against the prison-industrial complex as likely to gain support as Mumia. April 10-11 at Portland State University. The conference served as precursor to the Millions for Mumia march. Copwatch was invited to give a training workshop at the event. The event turned out well, but in order to free Mumia it is going to take much more grassroots support. It is truly an urgent situation for Mumia: his last state appeal was denied and his health is in a fragile state. For more information on Mumia’s current situation, or to find out what is going on in Portland call the Portland Free Mumia Coalition at 287-4217.

COPWATCH AND CUSPR: ORGANIZING FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY In addition to our presentation at the Prison-Industrial Complex/Mumia gathering in April, Copwatch held a training in July at the Spurkraft warehouse. At this time we are putting a call out to individuals and organizations involved in Communities United to Stop Police Repression (CUSPR), the Coalition that organized last October’s march from NE Portland to the Justice Center. We hope that people will organize another event for this fall. If you’d like to be involved in planning an event, or if you’d like to schedule a “Your Rights and the Police “ seminar or Copwatch training, please be in touch with Copwatch by mail, phone or email: PO Box 42456/Portland, OR 97242; (503) 236-3065; [email protected]. DEPUTY FUN FACTS Clackamas Deputy involved in Clackamas County Deputy charged with sexual abuse car crash that kills two Michael Plozke, 53, a Clackamas County sheriff’s deputy, who was On his way to give back up assistance at what turned voted 1994 Officer of the Year, was arrested and indicted with 15 out to be a false alarm, Gordon Haag, a Clackamas County counts of sexual abuse of an adolescent. These incidents took place sheriff’s deputy, crashed his patrol car into a car carrying while Plozke was off-duty. three Milwaukie women. Plozke was booked in jail but was later let go on his own Two women died in the accident, and the driver of the recognizance. Plozke is currently enjoying paid administrative leave car, Mildred Majors, suffered a broken leg. Haag also while the case is being resolved (Oregonian, July 20). suffered a broken leg. Witnesses report that Haag did not Washington Deputies shoot man who has shotgun appear to be driving abnormally fast and was sounding his sirensÐbut only at intersections (Oregonian, June 20). Washington County Deputies shot 57 year old William John Phillips The Sheriff’s office does not expect to bring in any to death after he allegedly ran out of his apartment with a shotgun. No outside agencies to investigate the accident. one else was injured despite an atmosphere that neighbors claim sounded like a war zone. They will use their own investigators to “ ” reconstruct the scene to get a better idea There were as many as 15 members of the county’s tactical of what speed both cars were traveling at negotiations team, 10 uniformed deputies, and five hostage negotiators that a despondent man was in his the time of the accident. called to respond to the dispatch “ apartment with other people and at least one gun.” Clackams County has since considered It is not known changing their rules for emergency police whether he was holding people against their will. responses. Like in Tacoma and Los It is reported that Phillips allegedly shot first and police responded. Angeles, deputies will not be able to Currently the Washington County District Attorney’s Office is respond to emergency calls without both investigating to determine how many shots were fired, how many shots Oregonian lights and sirens (Oregonian, June 28). hit Phillips, and whether the shooting was justified ( , April 16). PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 AUGUST 1999 page 5 PEPPER SPRAY: “SAFETY”, PAIN , DEATH AND LAWSUITS

SCIENCE SAYS PEPPER SPRAY HARMFUL, COPS THINK THAT’S THE REASON TO USE IT he Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization Amnesty International calls it torture, a T New York-based law enforcement training institute calls it “brutal,” but a US Federal Judge ruled that the direct application of pepper spray to the eyes of nonviolent protestors is both legal and reasonable. Law enforcement agencies across the continent have become increasingly reliant on the use of this noxious chemical in recent years, though several studies point to its dangerous and potentially lethal health effects. When Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that the Eureka, California Police acted justly in prying open peaceful protestors’ eyes and dousing them with PPR According to the syndicated pepper spray (see #16), civil liberties radio program “Making Contact” advocates worried that the ruling would give cops (June 30, 1999), pepper spray is a free ticket to torture social justice activists. 600 times stronger than Unfortunately, they appear to be right. Berkeley’s cayenne pepper. Copwatch Report (February 1999) states that less than a month after the federal ruling, California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) voted to recommend direct application of pepper spray to the eyes of non-violent protestors. Two cops serving on POST’s “guideline development committee” were responsible for the forceful eye-swabbing of Earth First! protestors in October 1997. As Berkeley Copwatch has pointed out, these trends are moving politics back to the pre-Civil Rights era when police beat nonviolent protestors with impunity while arresting them. The POST recommendations, they note, effectively abolish the formal distinction between passive resistance and violent resistance. Under its recommendation, police will be justified in meting out the same physical force to a teenager who goes limp at a sit-in as they use in subduing a brutal rapist who attacks police while being taken into custody. Meanwhile, the Ottowa police are suing the continent’s largest supplier of pepper spray, for reasons more guided by fiscal prudence than human decency. The Ottawa police department and two officers are defendants in a suit filed by a man who was pepper sprayed after police entered his home looking for Pepper Spray in the News another man. The plaintiff, Jean-Paul Gravelle, continues -Mike Dubay wrote a medical research paper stating that “in humans, OC to suffer from bronchial asthma and other respiratory [pepper] spray is associated with severe twitching of the eyes, stinging, ailments as a result of the spraying. The Police have in lacrimation and spasmodic closing of the lids.” It can also cause turn sued Defense Technology Corporation of America, who inflammation, loss of reaction to stimuli, loss of sensation, and corneal the police claimed assured them pepper spray was a “safe” abrasions. (Berkeley Copwatch Report, February, 1999) product, free from “side effects” (Ottowa Citizen, June 2). -The Modern Warrior Institute in New York claims that “manufacturers In terms of civilian use, a convicted robber in California have been misleading in their advertising and the chemical agent is not as effective as they claim, adding that repeated use of the substance, if who used pepper spray in the comission of a crime was given ineffective, is ‘brutal.’” (“Making Contact”, June 30,1999--also see PPR #13) a “four-level increase” in his sentencing when U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Helen Frye called pepper spray “an instrument -Lewis Rivera, a homeless man in Miami, Florida was doused with pepper spray and died in police custody in May. While the ACLU of capable of inflicting death or serious Florida is investigating the possibility that the pepper spray caused his injury” (Copwatch Report). death, the police claim the man was suffering from “alcohol withdrawal” Given that the Canadian police and a and that pepper spray probably had nothing to do with his death California judge are now both claiming because “he was walking and talking” just before he died. (Miami Herald, June 8, 1999) pepper spray is harmful, it is clear that the continued use of this weapon by -Daniel Ramirez, after being chased by L.A.’s gang task force, was police forces constitutes an awareness of pepper sprayed, handcuffed, and died about thirty minutes later. While police say the bag of drugs found in Ramirez’s throat caused his its possible effects and a callous disregard asphyxiation, pepper spray’s known effects include the restriction of air for public safety. The American Civil passages and probably played no small part in Ramirez’s death. Liberties Union found that police use of pepper spray (Local Review/LA Times, June 4&9, 1999) contributed to at least 40 in-custody deaths in California -In Santa Cruz, anti-war activist Steve Argue was beaten and had a pepper between 1993 and 1997. Pepper spray is used routinely by spray canister shoved in his mouth, discharged and then sprayed in his the Portland Police and was probably associated with the in- eyes after he attempted to stop an officer from separating a woman and custody deaths of Brian Penton, a young African-American, her child. Argue was nearly comatose as he lay a 5 minutes’ drive from a hospital while police waited an hour to get treatment for him. He was held in May 1998, and the death of Dickie Dow in October 1998. in solitary for 72 hours. Activists are organizing for Argue’s legal For more information on pepper spray, see PPR #11-13, 15 and 16. Contact defense. (e-mail from Food Not Bombs [[email protected]], May 28, 1999) Berkeley Copwatch at 2022 Blake, Berkeley, CA 94704

Supreme Court Rules Search & Seizure of Passengers OK Earlier this year, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to uphold the right of cops to search a passenger’s belongings “whenever there is reason to believe that there is contraband or evidence of criminal wrongdoing hidden in the car.” The National Association of Police Officers (NAPO) executive director Robert Scully praises the Supreme Court for “giving officers the tools they need to do their jobs” (Rap Sheet, June 1999). The ruling overturned a Wyoming court’s decision which would have allowed police to search only “containers” in the car belonging to the vehicle’s driver. page 6 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 SHOOTER COPS AND AWARDS TO DOW’S KILLERS (continued from p.1) Alex Venn and Timothy Musgrave (Oregonian, June 22). PORTLAND POLICE LAMENT ‘HERO’ (KILLER) COPS ¥ We also want to give some details on a shooting TREATED BADLY BY THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA from March 16th, which was reported in a short In the April 1999 issue of the Portland Police blurb in PPR #17. Gresham Officer David Snider Association’s newsletter, the Rap Sheet, editor and former was wounded when Quinton Keppinger, age 31, Portland cop Loren Christensen wrote about “Hero cops shot him during a traffic stop. Keppinger was maligned by the media.” He refers to the times when “the chased down by Portland Police and crashed into you-know-what hits the fan, all your survival training kicks in, and your trained actions save your life or the lives of a phone pole. He was shot after a three-hour others. But in so doing, the perpetrator is hurt, or killed.... standoff and was wounded in the head, cheek You’re OK, you did the right and leg. He may have been shot by Snider, but it thing. You...saved yours or PORTLAND’S 100-YEAR “HERO COP” LIST IS may also have been one of the Portland officers (not SHORTER THAN 10-YEAR CITIZEN LIST someone else’s bacon. In police vernacular—it was a named in the March 16th Oregonian article). The Portland Police Association points out that ¥ Meanwhile, Portland’s Memorial for fallen cops represents 25 clean deal. STUDY RECOMMENDS CPR in the adding dead, who left 21 widows, 1 widower, and 37 children “Ha! You are soooo wrong. Six months after Dickie Dow’s death, a insult to injury growing up with one parent (Rap Sheet, June 1999). “As the dust begins to panel released a report recommending However, they do not seem to have such statistics on settle and you are looking for (DUH!!!) that the Portland Police resume department, the over 25 people killed by police or who died in police custody just in the 1990s. some clean underwear, the training their officers in CPR. Chief Moose media sweeps in with their (Oregonian, April 30) gave letters of commendation bright lights, hairspray, and News Helicopter Air Whatever. Although police in all surrounding jurisdictions have continuing training to four of the officers involved ‘Did the police overact[sic]?’ they ask urgently and courses, the Portland CPR refresher in the October killing of pointedly into the camera. ‘Was the victim—this father of course’s heart stopped beating in 1992 Dickie Dow (see PPR #16). two, this high school football star, this man who loved his (see PPR #16) Officers were called to the mother so much, this racial minority, this sexual minority, scene when a school police officer felt this mentally challenged, this vertically challenged, this visually impaired, this balding, this dandruff flaker, this threatened by Dow, a 37-year-old menopause sufferer—shot unnecessarily by the police with developmentally disabled man. Eight officers their high-tech weapons and gestapo tactics?’ piled on Dow after pepper spraying him, “Before you even begin your reports, the special noticed he wasn’t breathing, and called an interest groups are panting with surprise as they plan ambulance. Witnesses say the police did not their defaming sound bites before the news cameras, their attempt to revive Dow; they even turned away accusatory letters to the editor, and what songs they will the help of a neighbor who offered to do CPR WORLD’S sing as they march through the streets with their candles BEST and sad expressions. herself. The early stories were that the PPB COP ” LC goes on to describe how AP reporter Larry McShane was no longer trained to do CPR, so the police has written a book, Cops Under Fire: The Reign of Terror did not attempt to revive Dickie; the story later Against Hero Cops. The book apparently profiles officers changed during the grand jury inquest, with whose lives were “turned upside-down” after shooting police claiming that they did do CPR, even incidents. “Regardless of the solid evidence supporting the though they allegedly weren’t trained to do officers’ actions, the aftermath turned into a nightmare for so. On July 22, Moose honored four officers them and their families. Every case involved color, though for helping to save Dickie’s not just white officers defending themselves against life (KOIN-TV, July 23). suspects of color. In some cases, the officers were of color, Ironic, since Dickie died the but McShane has found...‘Black versus blue has moved in as a replacement for black versus white.’” morning after the officers “‘As police forces become more integrated, it seems that “helped” him. In a peculiar the race of the suspect is more important than the race of twist on public realtions, the the officer involved. The cops are always blue, regardless police still had not released of heritage.’” (How astute!) the names of the four officers Apparently, many of the cases headed to court, where honored at PPR deadline. in all but one case, still pending as of the book’s publication, This is a slap in the face not only to Dow’s family, but to the the officers were found not guilty. Christensen states that in many cases, “jurors were community as a whole. It is reminiscent incredulous that they were even of when George Bush pardoned several 1998 POLICE WHO DIED IN LINE OF DUTY: AGAIN LESS THAN 1/2 SHOT brought to trial.” key Iran-Contra figures in December In 1998, 156 officers died on duty nationwide: In May’s Rap Sheet, Christensen 1992 as he was leaving office, insisting 63 were shot, 48 died in car wrecks, 15 were struck by follows Greg Pluchos, PPA President, all the while they had never done cars, 9 died of illness, 7 drowned, 4 died in motorcycle for a day. Apparently, Pluchos is accidents, 4 died in aircraft accidents, and 6 perished currently working on officers’ rights anything wrong. Moose’s last day on in unexplained ways. So, 40.4% were shot in the line of the job was July 28 (see related story, duty and the rest were all accidents or illness. in deadly force and death-in-custody pages 1&8). (Rap Sheet, July 1999) situations. Police detectives handle such incidents as criminal To register complaints call the Chief’s office 823-0000 investigations. Pluchos looks at his job (takes no messages, but takes calls 9-5 M-F); or the Mayor’s office 823-4120. this way: “We have to find a balance between the district To help Dickie’s family, contact Justice For Dickie Dow at attorney’s and the community’s right to know with those (360) 576-0364 or [email protected]. rights of a police officer in a criminal investigation.” There is a memorial fund set up at US Bank branches, and the family has been holding memorial vigils third Fridays after dark at N Lombard and Fenwick.

PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 AUGUST 1999 page 7 MOOSE CUTS LOOSE (continued from p.1) MOOSE SHOWS SENSITIVE SIDE AT CITY CLUB On July 23, Moose spoke about “The State of Portland’s It is important, however, to recognize the systemic nature of Police” at the City Club, a policy discussion group made of local police abuse, misconduct, brutality and corruption. No elites. Moose kept up his well established routine of mild matter who runs a department, without safeguards controversy by gently chiding his liberal audience for expecting too many social problems to be solved by the police. protecting the community, there will always be problems. The lecture began as a predictable laundry list of the Bureau’s We don’t know whether Moose’s permanent replacement accomplishments. Moose bragged that public complaints to will be better or worse. If we had a system of truly internal affairs have significantly declined in the past few years. From the Chief’s position this must seem a welcome relief. community-based policing, in which the people directly control policy, training, and However, from our experience helping people navigate the enforcement issues as well as having an independent review board with the ability to confusing and demoralizing complaint system, it seems that do its own investigations, it wouldn’t matter so much who the chief was. such a drop in complaints is at least partially attributable to That said, there are significant issues which Moose influenced as Chief. Probably the inadequate public knowledge of the current system, and the frequently justified belief that it is stacked in favor of the police. most positive was the creation of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), a group of about The remainder of Moose’s address was a welcome criticism of 100 officers who have been given 40 hours of training in dealing with potentially mentally society’s increasing reliance on the violent apparatus of the state ill citizens. The training involves ways to de-escalate situations, rather than the usual to solve social problems. The Chief argued ardently for increased drug treatment programs in the community. According to Moose, police tactics of sliding up the scale of the use-of-force continuum. While the number of treatment reduces the likelihood of re-arrest by 75%. Equally incidents in which “unruly” civilians are shot by police has decreased, CIT officers are not passionate were Moose’s pleas to increase public investment in always on the scene. It seems logical that all 1000 schools and affordable housing. He even made reference to the officers be given complete CIT training. widening wealth gap and economic insecurity as part of the root cause of crime. On the negative side were Moose’s angry Moose stated that if the City continued to hand the police outbursts, which effectively distracted the public and money and expect them to do everything, they would gladly take the media from the issues at hand. In November, it and try. But he argued that instead, education and social spending should become higher priorities. Otherwise, he assured, the 1998, Moose lambasted the citizens of Northeast Bureau will get larger, arrests will increase, and the prison Portland and swore he’d move away, keeping the population will continue to skyrocket. In addition, he bluntly warned focus off the use of the “beanbag” guns; his tirade that failure to reinvest in the social safety net will create “more Governor Kitzhaber against news helicopters got more attention than the violent confrontations when the police go up against the people named that you have decided to make have-nots.” A pretty powerful June 28th, 1999 fact that Stephen Dons’ naked, injured body was statement to a group that included the Mayor, several City “Charles Moose Day” taken away on the back of a paramilitary police Commissioners and members of Portland’s most powerful families. However, as aware and even progressive as this barrage of MAYOR ASKS: WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A CHIEF? vehicle rather than in an ambulance. In terms of the overall police practices, criticism sounds, it rings hollow coming in the twilight of Moose’s Mayor Vera Katz initiated a nation-wide search for tenure as Chief. His career has been marked by a staunch defense Chief Moose’s successor, and held community it is hard to judge what changes have taken of police actions and a stubborn refusal to hold the Bureau to any “focus groups” and asked for input on her website place. It is clear from word on the street kind of public accountability. To our knowledge, Moose never (see below) to solicit opinions on what the public that racism still exists within the Bureau, before made these sensible demands of Portland’s economic and wants in a Chief. Copwatch was invited to the political notables. As the highest paid public official in the City, “advocacy” focus group, which included members and the occasional headline lets the public Moose wasn’t feeling the strains of social and economic turmoil of public defenders’ offices, members of PIIAC, know that shootings, beatings, and other that led to the conditions he highlighted in his talk. As an African- people from parole/probation and the District forms of police violence have not gone American Chief in a liberal city, Moose was in a unique position to Attorney’s offices, and one citizen who said he’d advance the causes of disadvantaged groups. Instead, he gave filed a complaint against the police. away. These issues reflect the racist, violent us “Drug Free Zones” that target the poor and homeless, Gang Recognizing that we do not represent, “the nature of the U.S. government, and the Enforcement Units that target minority youth, and a Marijuana community,” we told the Mayor’s people that we nature of the legal system as it exists today. Task Force that pays for itself by siezing private property in ways believe the following issues are vital: It is important to remember the two that are Constitutionally questionable at best. 1. A Chief committed to a Bureau free of corruption, brutality, and racism. cases in which Moose refused to agree with PIIAC. Both cases were sent to him by majority 2. A Chief who is receptive to the idea of a strong, votes of City Council, who passed on recommendations from the PIIAC Citizen Advisors that independent civilian review board. The new Chief there was police misconduct. Mayor Katz, who is both Commissioner of Police and the should be aware of the current structure and commissioner in charge of PIIAC—an apparent conflict of interest—was the only one to vote functioning of PIIAC and realize that the public is in favor of a stronger, independent review body. “no” in both cases. But because the review board’s findings are recommendations, despite the 3. A Chief who actively solicits public input around fact that they come from our elected City Council, the appointed Chief was able to ignore those policy and training issues. Populations that are findings. When challenged to come before Council to publicly explain such cases, Moose refused. strongly impacted by police practices- the poor, racial minorities, immigrants, the homeless and youth- He claimed he might change a finding if an officer came into his office crying, and for him to should be contacted to create a police force that is report that publicly would “make a mockery of the system.” Actually, the Chief’s ability to cut truly committed to serving all civilians equally. off debate in Council about requiring his presence mocks the system. 4. A Chief who respects local democracy. As an appointed public servant, our Police Chief should Sure, the Council may have backed down because of Moose’s quick temper. And Moose may have respect decisions arrived at by the democratically hung on to his job so long because it scores great public relations within Portland and around the country elected City Council. The Chief should also be willing to have an African- to explain his positions publicly. COMMENTS EXCERPTED FROM MAYOR’S WEB SITE POLL 5. A Chief who is supportive of improved training for American police chief. But Copwatch reprinted 16 of the 63 responses received on the Mayor’s website in June, ALL officers in non-violent conflict resolution. Recent those of us who work on representing about 25% of all opinions, which seemed to promote police accountability. incidents between the police and citizens have the issue of police Another 12 of the 63 (about 20%) were simply “nominations” or otherwise not substantive, underscored the urgent need for the expansion of this accountability year-round so we believe the 16 we found reflect a significant sentiment of those who responded. type of training. Interpersonal skills should be a higher (1) open to an independent civilian review board, like Copwatch [sic], which I believe priority than expanding the Bureau’s firepower. know that most police are serves an integral function in Portland, and could serve as a forum for communication between the police and the community... (2) willing to break the “code of silence” and We then asked the search committee to continue not European, Asian, African, or American, but vigorously address the problem of police corruption... (responses 3, 4, 5 and 7 mentioned to actively solicit the opinions of the public at large an independent review board)... (6) willing to make his officers accountable... (8) more all the way through the interview process. Shortly they are police officers responsive to Portland’s Gay & Lesbian population. ...I still hear complaints of police thereafter, the Oregonian solicited opinions. The first two were from a representative of the whose color is blue. Their insenstivity and even harassment from friends and local organizations... (9) work on business-oriented Citizens Crime Commission power lies in protecting one better relationship between the police and the citizens... (10/11) the ability to work with and Portland Police Association/Oregon Police and help those with drug addictions rather than treat them as scum as the officers on the another while protecting force are encouraged to do now... (12) sensitive to victims’ and women’s issues... lobbyist Liz Cruthers. Copwatch forwarded a those in society who have notice to the Oregonian noting that we hoped (13) proven skills in alternative dispute resolution as well as the ability to deal effectively they’d solicited opinions from the homeless, power and money from with diverse populations... (14) responsive to the citizens, not to fellow officers... Latino, African-American, Native American and those who do not. (15, a police officer’s daughter) Public service, interaction with the public, and mutual respect... other communities that have yet to be published; (16) experience working with the Hispanic community, and, preferably, speaks Spanish, we also sent them our five points listed above. Most of this article also appeared as that community is greatly under represented, ignored and much maligned in Portland. in the August Portland Alliance page 8 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 Eugene Rally Becomes Melee with Police (continued from p. 1) media made passing reference to the purposes of the action, they published. One “objective” mainstream station, consciously chose to spin the demonstration as an uncontrollable KVAL, agreed to cooperate with the police. riot. They reported that attendees “banged on cars...and shouted Clearly, not everyone was on the same wavelength; even within at motorists” (Oregonian, June 20), yet neglected the fact that the anarchist community there are many differences of opinion on some cars were actively trying to run over pedestrians. One whether property damage is violence. While some activists passenger even leapt out of a car and whacked a protestor on the involved in planning the demonstration were willing to sit down head with a wrench. Throughout the event there was a large police ahead of time with police to discuss the peaceful protest they had presence in full riot gear which decidedly set the tone for the events planned, others arrived on the that were to transpire. scene who eventually smashed The demonstration turned up about 300 attendees. People had windows at “a bank, a hotel, a fast- brought radios in order to listen to music that was to be broadcast food restaurant and a furniture all day on Radio Free Cascadia (a low-power community station) store” (Oregonian, June 20). but were disappointed to find the signals crossed with a classical It is clear that harassment music station. It was then that people became bored and began to continues as Eugene Police again stray from the meeting point. Police encircled the places they overreacted at a July 16th Reclaim thought people were headed such as City Hall and Nike Town. It the Streets action. Local activists was the opinion of many that the participants were ready to disperse Eugene police make an activist kiss a report this event turned up 200-250 car after some cars get hit by at this point, but were afraid to because of past experiences. Many protesters (Register-Guard photo) people (though the Oregonian said 25). people had been targeted at previous demonstrations after they It was another attempt to focus on the issues of global, corporate began to leave in smaller groups. When the crowd reached dominance. Some demonstrators even brought windows in case Washington-Jefferson Park, police started shooting tear gas and people who had their windows smashed in June wanted to smash going after anyone they could catch. They were seen using pepper back. When 3 people showed up in masks, police leapt into action, spray on people even after handcuffing them and forcing them pulling their face masks off and searching them. They let two go into pain compliance holds. later but held the other one overnight for the possession of a knife— According to the June 19 Oregonian, the police did not begin which they termed a “concealed firearm violation.” People were arresting people until nearly five hours after the protest began. The concerned that this was a direct attack on their right to protect their article quotes City Councilor David Kelly as saying “The police showed identity, with the aid of masks, from police who have been known amazing restraint.” Police making the first arrests hours into the protest to harass activists. was a form of “restraint,” but Kelly must also consider firing tear gas The Associated Press (July 17) proclaimed “Law and order reigns and making random arrests “restrained” to make such a broad statement. as anarchists march,” noting that police remained on the periphery Eventually, twenty-one people were arrested, “to avoid any feeling of intimidation.” On the other hand, KGW-TV mostly on charges of disorderly conduct and showed footage of helmeted State Police practicing attack rioting. All riot charges were subsequently formations while carrying nightsticks in the days before July 16. dropped except Robert Thaxton’s. He remains While some folks have taken their protests to City Hall, others thought in jail at PPR deadline. He originally faced a that events like the Reclaim the Streets demonstration would be a good charge of attempted murder of a police time to discuss how to deal with police harassment. It is another example officer, which has since been downgraded to of different people using different tactics when trying to make change. assault, and also faces the charge of inciting a riot. These are serious In related news from Eugene, Brenton Glicker, 15, whose charges that seem extremeÐor, more precisely, intimidating. On a house was raided in connection with the Nike Town “riot” of flyer calling for aid to Thaxton, he is quoted as saying one of the October, 1998 (after his fingerprint was found on a protest signÐ officers who threw him down, whacked him in the head, and broke see PPR #17), was convicted of second degree burglary and disorderly his nose “threatened to come ‘get’ me in the holding cell later. He conduct. He was charged mostly on the basis of the political literature also told me that I was lucky he didn’t pull his gun and shoot me.” found in his room. Police allege that Brenton then violated his terms Police were also busy harassing videographer Timothy Lewis. for release by being at the June 18th demonstration. They held him in jail just long enough to secure a search warrant Information for this article was gathered from interviews with individuals in Eugene, as well to confiscate his tape, then they let him go and dropped the charges. as the Oregonian, Associated Press and the Eugene Register-Guard. Lewis, who works with the Eugene-based community access show There are more Reclaim the Streets demonstrations planned for the third Friday of “Cascadia Alive!”, has been arrested at earlier events while every month. A forum is also being planned for August 24th at Harris Hall in Free attempting to videotape. Though the District Attorney “determined Speech Plaza at Oak and 8th St. to discuss the events of the June 18th action. that Lewis’ tape was legally seized as part of a search warrant Folks can send support for Robert Thaxton or Brenton Glicker and find out more and can be used in investigation of the riot,” (Register-Guard, information by writing Anti-Authoritarians Anonymous, PO Box 1131, Eugene, OR 97440. June 22) it is customary for a journalist’s notes —or in this case, raw footage—to be protected materials unless they have been City continues to ignore youth self-determination Police and Mayor Vera Katz revamped their strategy to cut down on youth (more Quick presence in downtown in the form of tougher anti-cruising ordinances. The Flashes on p. 11) police are currently putting up roadblocks along Southwest Broadway after 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Two Portland Officers fired for lying While police claim that the “majority of the people who have been involved in the issue are extremely pleased” they seemed to have ignored those most The June 30 Willamette Week named two Portland affected by these ordinances. During the spring break weekends alone youth Police bureau officers “Rogues of the Week.” Kenneth received 368 tickets for cruising. Ellison, who allegedly ran his police car into a solid But there are always exceptionsÐpolice have generally been letting drivers object but blamed a hit-and-run driver, was fired June through that are planning to spend money in restaurants or have other 16. Donald Warren, fired on May 11, allegedly called “legitimate travel needs.” (Oregonian, May 5). The effect of these ordinances in sick one day when he apparently wasn’t. In an are to treat youth like invisible persons. They are not wanted in downtown if unsurprising move, the Portland Police Association has they do not have money to spend. Their input always seems to be ignored in filed grievances for both cops. considering such discriminatory ordinances. PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 AUGUST 1999 page 9 He claims that the police were brought to be responsible in the public eye for “all that was wrong in the country,” saying “it’s happening again.” He complains that the hundreds of protesters against the cops Copwatch analyzes the who shot Amadou Diallo 41 times in New York don’t “protest against police ‘union’ newsletter the rising number of assaults against police officers.” continued from back page ADVOCATING FOR PRISONERS MAKES UNIFORM MADNESS LAWYERS MONEY... SOMEHOW... In the May Rap Sheet letters section, Assistant Chief Prunk gets a In the July issue, Christensen tears into an advocacy group pen-full from Michael Villanti (affiliation unknown) and John Scruggs called Survivors Advocating For an Effective System (SAFES). (Northeast Precinct), who were shocked that Prunk He lists SAFES co-founder Michele Kohler went to Salem to testify against the bill which would as a guy, despite the fact that she is a female ban live media broadcasts of police actions. What’s whose father was killed in a violent crime worse, they say, is that though other police officials many years ago. were there testifying for the bill, Prunk spoke against Christensen writes, “At first I thought they it while wearing his uniform. might be just another hand-wringing, let’s-hold- This was followed up in June by retired Officer a-candle-light-vigil group of sad faces.” He Elmer Brown, upset that Chief Moose would not allow notes that unlike Crime Victims United, who officers to wear uniforms when are pushing for get-tough laws, SAFES thinks Neither the media bill testifying about making it a class (HB 3050) nor the felony the system “focuses ‘too much on retribution C felony to assault a cop. On the bill (SB 70) made it to DISGRACE TO THE UNIFORM? rather than rehabilitation.’ They are also the governor’s desk. John and Mindy Harris write in April’s Rap other hand, groans Brown, Moose Sheet about how CW Jensen shouldn’t have opposing mandatory miniums and, of course, marches in the Gay Pride Parade in uniform. done a TV ad for Ron Tonkin car dealerships. the death penalty.” Then he reveals the main He appears in a costume resembling a Portland It is hard to say if these are political decisions Police uniform, helping Tonkin track down a difference--that Kohler is--(sinister music dividing police management from the rank-and-file, missing car while his partner chomps on Asian please)--a defense attorney. food in the passenger seat. “This commercial So, since “We’ve all seen defense attorneys or just decisions being made from the Chief’s public depicts police officers as individuals whose relations office. In any case, we should all keep our services can be bought by rich business pull every scummy trick in the book to keep people and who do not take their critical public their predator out of jail”, he knows that eyes open for what police do when in or out of roles seriously.” Well, there’s something to be uniform. (See picture of CW Jensen, right.) said for truth in advertising. SAFES is just “these defense attorneys, all (By the way, C.W. got 7 nominations on the wrapped up in a pretty acronym,... want[ing] FREEDOM’S JUST ANOTHER WORD Mayor’s website to be chief, and one comment which said “Just not CW Jensen! Please!”) people to let them speak for victims of crime.” FOR NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE It never really becomes clear just how defense An anonymous law enforcement officer form Maryland wrote an attorneys plan to make money from this scheme, nor for that matter article, reprinted in the July Rap Sheet from The Shield, about what he does Christensen recognize the possibility that defense attorneys believes a prisoner’s life is like. The tone is pretty much, “Hey, involved may themselves have been the victims of violent crime. taxpayers, thanks for sending me to the country club.” INFLUENCING YOUNG MINDS Here’s a quote: “I can watch TV,... play cards and games, basketball in our gym, or go outside in suitable weather ...We have plenty of In the July issue, guess who (editor Christensen) wrote a exercise devices ..to keep our bodies in shape.” His imaginary inmate diatribe against professional wrestling, a career he admits to is so excited he gets this all for free—plus access to a great legal having dabbled in himself. His main point is “what is all this library, and the ability to tie up courts with lawsuits! “We don’t have to doing to young viewers?” He mentions that pay-per-view shows work, cut grass, shovel snow or other unpleasant tasks. We let you feature “mock crucifixions, S&M scenes, wrestlers mooning and your tax dollars do that for us. Our only problem is that they the audience, obscene finger gestures, and semi-clad women never let us serve our complete sentences.” He even refers to police playing subservient roles to the men. On one show, BUT MOMMY, I DON’T WANT TO GO TO transport to and from court as “chauffeurs” paid for by the government. THE NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS Of course, he fails to mention that the people in jail have no freedom to there is even an African- John Payne of the “ATTF” (Auto Theft Task move about, visit their loved ones, or (for the most part) get treatment, American pimp parading Force) complains in May’s Rap Sheet that his ‘hos.’” going to community policing meetings training or financial support to keep them from ending up back in prison should earn once they get out. Or that prisoners’ rights are constantly being chipped LC goes on to criticize street officers away, as they also suffer beatings at the hands of brutal guards, or are set up the head of the World more pay. He to be beaten by other prisoners while guards turn the other way. Or that Wrestling Federation, was once sent to Vince McMahon, for a neighborhood boneheads like him make life so miserable for ex-cons on the outside that meeting– they never get a chance to reintegrate into society. saying “You don’t see unprepared to But we guess we’d all like to live in jail given this cop’s pretty guns, murder, knives. We be the main resolve our differences speaker! In picture of it. addition to a physically in a wrestling half-page article, Payne was given TIRED PROTEST SLOGANS ring. How bad is it considerable space in the letters section of In May, Loren Christensen’s opinion piece was titled “The Sixties live compared to a Stallone or the same issue of the Rap Sheet to say the same thing. on in Portland.” Here, LC berates activists who shout “Stop the senseless Schwarzenegger movie?” killing!—Stop the bloodbath!—Stop the rape of the land!”, demeaning the LC asked a 10 year old causes by referring to these slogans as “their tired chorus of demands” and what he liked best—the kid answered “how they all get hurt.” “their hastily drawn signs.” He calls the protesters “shabbily dressed” and Now, let’s apply this same criteria to all the cop novels LC notes that they sing “We shall overcome” “ad nauseum.” reviews, cop movies, real-life and dramatic cop shows and movies, He mentions the recent protests both for and against the U.S./NATO and think about how impressionable young cops and cop wannabes war on Yugoslavia. He recalls that in the 60s, “the militant fresh air crowd might be influenced. Not to mention that the Rap Sheet is available protested against pollution-belching technology and established something at the public library for our young ones to read freely. Thanks, LC. called ‘Earth Day,’ a day we still celebrate in 1999. Today, their children The Rap Sheet can be obtained from the Portland Police Association, tie themselves to trees and lie down in front of logging trucks.” 1313 NW 19th, Portland, OR 97209. page 10 AUGUST 1999 PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 Police Cheat on Overtime Acting Chief Berg was the

BITE ME BITE (continued from p. 9) Lieutenant in charge at a Testing the mettle of Acting Chief “knock and talk” at which Lynnae Berg, an internal investigation officers reached over a Police Snitch Program Draws Heat from Community of police involved in “Operation North fence to gather information about a drug In January, the Portland Police launched a program encouraging Star,” turned up 30 officers who bust (see PPR # 14). Berg students to turn in their peers suspected of drug or weapons “pocketed $165,000 in federal grant was allowed to sign off on possession. The “Crime Stoppers” program, enthusiastically money since June 1997” (Oregonian, the officers’ conduct backed by Mayor Vera Katz, pays junior snitches up to $1000 to August 6). North Star was the despite the fact that she was present at the time anonymously inform on classmates if their information leads to undercover drug sweep that the and may have needed an arrest or conviction. Critics, including Copwatch, point out Portland Police Bureau set up using a investigation herself. that providing monetary incentives to anonymous informers is a Bureau of justice Assistance grant. highly dangerous and irresponsible way to enforce laws. Although Commander Robert Kauffman of Central precinct was we can all recall that high schools are notorious for adolescent demoted to Captain (of Tri-Met security), and Sgts. Richard backbiting, elitism and often violent harrassment, the police assure Barton and Bradford Bailey were suspended without pay. the public that they can “tell in a matter of minutes if someone The August 10 Oregonian reports that the Department of reporting a crime is not truthful” (Oregonian, April 1) . Justice is considering civil and criminal charges against the Johann Mathiesen, a member of the Southeast Portland officers, though ones who have cooperated with authorities “Brooklyn Action Corps” neighborhood organization, claims that might be spared. The article also notes that the amount of the his son, a middle-school student, was falsely accussed of original grant was $300,000Ðmeaning the fraud involved over marijuana possession by an anonymous student. Mathiesen and half of the funds. the Brooklyn Action Corps are considering a vote to ask the school board to cancel the program. Iraq Protesters Set Free; Tardy Cop Breaks Law Police “Lawful Dispersal” Rules Challenged In late June, Portland officer Douglas L. Oliver was cited by the Eleven of the protestors arrested in December at a protest against Oregon State Police for reckless driving, unlawful operation of the U.S. bombing of Iraq (see PPR #16) were given a big boost of an emergency vehicle, and fleeing and attempting to elude officers. support by Judge Michael Marcus. Marcus ruled that the charges Oliver illegally used his police cruiser’s emergency lights and of “failure to disperse,” which depended on a “lawful order” to sirens as he sped on Interstate 5 from Portland to Lane County, leave the demonstration, were not legitimate because the law where he was late for a court appearance. State Police officers allows officers to order people to disperse even if they are not tried to pull Oliver over, but he would not comply. He has been breaking any particular law. The police deciding that the protest transferred to a desk job and an Internal Affairs investigation is itself was unlawful violates the Oregon Constitution. pending (Oregonian, June 21). The August 6th ruling, which does not necessarily affect the eleven or more protesters who were charged with other offenses, could change the way police do business in the future and further “The People’s Police Report,” is published three times a year by Portland Copwatch/ POPSG, a civilian group promoting police accountability through citizen action. (Portland uphold our rights to demonstrate. Copwatch is a project of Peace and Justice Works, a tax-exempt educational organization.) For our “Proposal for an Effective Civilian Review Board” send $3.00 to Portland Copwatch, PO Box 42456, Portland, OR 97242. Subscribe to the PPR for $10 a year, or to order extra copies or back issues, send $1.00 per issue. CLIP AND FOLD THIS CARD INTO YOUR WALLET Share it with a friend Letters/submissions welcome. Contact us by e-mail: [email protected]; visit our website at www.teleport.com/~copwatch. This “Your Rights and the Police” card is currently available in For a full list of credits, see printed version. Vietnamese, Spanish, Russian and English (below). If you can offer help This web version created 11/05/2015 translating and/or typesetting into other languages, or want more copies,

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➔ Call us at (503) 236-3065 for more info; report incidents with the police or Sheriff’s ➔ contact Copwatch at (503) 236-3065. deputies to the Copwatch Info Line at (503) 321-5120. If police want to search you, If you are Copwatching, be they may pat you down to sure to let officers know you check for weapons. Make it don’t intend to interfere with the Enclosed is $10 to receive one year of the People’s Police Report by mail. clear you do not consent to arrest. This means staying ten any further search. If they say feet or more away from the Enclosed is a sustaining donor pledge of $15-25. action and not trying to distract I understand I will receive the People’s Police Report and all other mailings they have a search warrant, ask to see it. If they are the officers or the arrestee’s from Copwatch. attention. searching your home or your Enclosed is a donation of $______to support your continuing work. car with “probable cause,” If you are the victim of police baby picture make it clear you do not misconduct, be sure to get the names of all officers involved Enclosed is $______for ___ copies of PPR #_____ and/or consent to a search. ____ copies of ‘Proposal for an Effective Civilian Review Board.’ and supervisors names if If you are arrested, you do possible. Get names and I’m donating, but I don’t wish to receive mail. not have to answer any numbers of any witnesses to questions, other than identify- the action. Please add me to your e-mail list. My e-mail address is: ing yourself. Don’t offer If you are the victim of police ______excuses or explanations. Any- misuse of force, document thing you say can be used injuries right away. You may Please take me off your mailing list. against you. Just say, “I want wish to pursue any number of Clip and mail this slip back to us at PO Box 42456, Portland, OR 97242. to talk to a lawyer.” If you don’t routes, from filing a complaint Make checks payable to: Peace and Justice Works/Copwatch. have a lawyer, ask the police with the Police (IAD) to Be sure your name, address & (optional) phone number are on this slip. how to contact one. pursuing a lawsuit. PEOPLE’S POLICE REPORT #18 AUGUST 1999 page 11 Portland Copwatch analyzes info in the Police “Union” Newsletter, the Rap Sheet Memorable memorandums from the Mayor’s mostly male metropolitan mandate minders

POLICE AND STEREOTYPES approach; Fast-and-furious approach; Love approach; File- etired Portland officer Duke Smith complains in the May and-dossier approach.” Rap Sheet about a talk show hosted by Rick Emerson So when you think the police are acting out a pre-planned R scenario, you’re probably right. of Portland. Emerson questioned whether police deserve more respect than anyone else. Smith reports that people called in SPEAKING OF BOOK REVIEWS with “the usual horror stories: rude cop, tough cop, mean cop, In the April Rap Sheet, former PPA President Jeff surly cop, he didn’t do anything cop, lech [sic] cop, Barker reviews Christensen’s new book, Skid Row ego cop and so forth.” Beat, A Street Cop’s Walk on the Wild Side. Suddenly, after a cop called in, Emerson Christensen’s book consists of stories from the ‘70s changed his tone and began asking for good cop to the present from Portland’s Clockwise from lower stories. But to Duke, it was too late. It was time right: Rude, Surly, Meanie, street cops, though he has Toughie, Do-Nothing, for the former cop to stereotype people who Ego and Letch apparently changed names to promote police accountability. “You spew out protect the obnoxious. this diatribe and feed the militant, anti- His chapters are government types, the cop haters, the schizoid “Characters, Sex, Violence and conspiracy theorists, the hate mongers and Bodily Excretions.” Barker all the other fringe loonies that bob along in writes, “We have come a long way the sewers of wrath. You use your forum to since the days when it was still a legitimize the hate these people have, and you crime to be drunk in public, and the beat make it more difficult for the police to deal with them.” cop was expected to ‘take care of business’ on his district [sic].” And speaking of stereotypical cop behavior, check out Loren He quotes Christensen saying the book is “not for the easily Christensen’s July book review of Make ‘Em Talk: Principles offended, the overly politically correct, or those who view of Military Interrogation. He mentions that a lot of the book is community policing as a religious experience.” To be clear, inappropriate for civilian law enforcement, but recommends the Barker states that “some of the anecdotes are so disgusting you chapters outlining the following techniques (those who have will have to put the book down.” had Copwatch training will recognize some of these): “Direct We wonder if he means ones about “bodily excretions” or approach; silent approach; We-already-know-everything- the ones about cops “taking care of business.” (continued approach; Resistance-is-senseless approach; Good guy-bad guy (for more, check out LC’s website, www.aracnet.com/~lwc123.) on p. 10)

To report incidents involving YOUR RIGHTS AND Portland Copwatch/POPSG Portland Police Officers call: THE POLICE A Project of Peace and Justice Works PO Box 42456 PORTLAND COPWATCH a quick reference guide for Portland, OR 97242 321-5120 civilians in Portland, OR HANDY NUMBERS: When you’re stopped: Stay calm, keep your hands visible, Return Service Requested Portland Police Internal Affairs be careful what you say. If you Div. (IAD)...... 823-0236 are not driving, you do not Police Int’l Invstgn’s Auditing have to carry I.D. You do not Committee(PIIAC) ...... 823-4126 have to identify yourself, but if Mayor Vera Katz...... 823-4120 you refuse, police may bring Ombudsman’s office....823-4125 you in. You can’t be arrested for not having I.D. Multnomah Defenders..226-3083 Metro Public Defenders...225-9100 If you are driving, you must show your license, registration and proof of insurance. If you For more information: are suspected of drinking and Portland Copwatch/POPSG refuse to take a breath test, PO Box 42456 your license can be sus- Portland OR 97242 pended. (503) 236-3065